Protesters to defy Canary Wharf ban

Hardline anti-capitalist protesters were converging on Canary Wharf today to demonstrate against multinational banks.

Direct action group Globalise Resistance, which led London's violent May Day protests, were targeting the tower despite an injunction banning them from the area.

The group wants to highlight what it claims are unfair pay policies where bankers enjoy sixfigure salaries while cleaners earn barely more than the minimum wage.

Globalise Resistance's direct action comes on the eve of the European Social Forum at Alexandra Palace.

Up to 30,000 visitors are expected to attend the event, which will bring together groups lobbying for environmental protection, human rights, public services, peace and fair trade.

Its organisers had hoped the publicly funded event would enhance the reputation of activists as peaceful, reasonable campaigners rather than violent anarchists - and are distancing themselves from the Canary Wharf protest.

For more information about the European Social Forum see: www.fse-esf.org